New Hire - Orientation Checklist

Remember onboarding is continuous, so make sure to follow up with employees frequently to ensure they have everything they need to successfully work in your organization. 

Orientation refers to the actions a company takes during a new hire’s first days to help them:

• Complete tasks required by law
• Learn about key company policies
• Prepare themselves to take on their job duties
• Adjust to their new work environment

Use the following new employee orientation checklist to keep on schedule with your new hires:

Administrative support

New hire’s need to fill out:

• I-9 form
• W-4 form
• Employee acknowledgment and consent form
• Background check form
• Direct deposit form

Go over procedures:

• Building entry, security, and parking 
• Ordering supplies
• Time off requests, sick days, non-operational days

Take staff photos, print badges, and go over any other ID needs

Hand out uniforms or go over the dress code

Company policies overview

Explain employment agreement terms and make sure new hires sign forms, such as:

• Non-disclosure agreement
• Non-compete agreement
• Confidentiality agreement
• Employee invention agreement

Provide resources on perks and benefits, like:

• Health and life insurance
• Mobile plan reimbursement
• Company car policy
• Stock options guide
• Training program guide
• Performance bonus guide
• Employee wellness program

Go over key policies:

• Vacation/ paid time off
• Work from home
• Sick leave
• Safety guidelines
• Absences
• Data security

Run through daily schedule:

• Regular work times
• Breaks
• Lunch options

Hand out Employee handbook and other guides

Office tours and introductions

Give the grand tour for departs, and other important areas like:

• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Dining area
• Balcony

Introduce helpful staff, like:

• Their direct manager
• Your HR team
• Your IT team
• Your office manager

Introduce new hires to all teams

Schedule meetings with colleagues and team leaders from other departments

Tour meeting rooms and explain booking policies

Go over emergency exits

Schedule a teamwide meetup in less formal settings (e.g. a group lunch or after-hours drinks)

Assign a work buddy or mentor to assist with onboarding tasks and answer questions

Workstation setup

Explain how to use office equipment

Provide an overview of the main corporate online channels, including:

• Intranet
• Email
• Messaging application
• Company website
• Shared drives
• Data security software

Have IT team assist with the computer setup. Make sure new hires understand how to use all company tools and software needed for their role

Schedule a detailed training on IT security guidelines

Schedule a product demo if relevant

Provide stationary and show where office supplies are stored